Pictures by Cay Ewoldt and Wayne Hathaway

Two locals from Valentine competed in the 2nd annual Middle Loup River Challenge, a canoe and kayak race, on Saturday, Sept, 12. The 28 mile race started about 7 ½ miles west of Thedford.

Josh Krueger of Valentine placed 1st in men’s kayak with a time of 4:58:02.19

Terry Osborn of Valentine placed 4th in men’s kayak with a time of 5:11:23.91

Calvin Hassel of Grand Island won the solo canoe division with a time of 3:39:03:29

Mitzi Klimek of Omaha won the women’s kayak division with a time of 5:13:34:35

and Sara Kay Carrell of Kansas won the Stand Up Paddle board division in 5:31:10:05.

The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway and Cay Ewoldt help coordinate this event.